You don't necessarily 'have' to go with 36" bulbs if using T5HO, unless you plan on covering the tank with a hood. The 48" retro T5HO set up I'm using is actually just a hair over 46" including the endcaps. 48" T5 lamps are actually only about 45" in length, so in the case of your new tank, the endcaps would stick over the edge only about half an inch, maybe less. 36" would be a cleaner install though, I guess.
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